The biggest security operation in the history of the Irish state was under way today as the country prepared for the arrival tonight of US President George Bush.

More than 2,000 troops, ships and planes will surround Shannon Airport. A massive police operation is also being mounted at Dromoland Castle Hotel, County Clare, where the president will spend the night before jetting off to Turkey.

The Government's senior law officer has labelled proposals for military tribunals at Guantanamo Bay as "unacceptable". Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith QC, will tell the International Criminal Law Association in Paris he considers the US arrangements contrary to the principles of fair trial.